The award, which is given to a first-year apprentice from South West TAFE, was presented to Chloe at the Rotary Club's annual dinner on Thursday December 2.

Chloe said she was "very honoured' to receive the award.

"It was pretty good, I was pretty shocked to be honest," she said.

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Chloe works at Waacks Bakery in Stawell and Ararat and is looking forward to where her career in the food industry can take her.

She was one of nine students to be nominated by their teachers for excellence in their trades and it was her passion and commitment to her studies and work that made her stand out as the winner.

Chloe said she discovered her passion while in high school in Ararat.

"My love for hospitality probably started in high school when I was doing the cooking classes at Ararat College," she said.

"Cooking at home and learning at the bakery in the bakehouse in Stawell as well."

She said she would love to own her own business and give other people employment opportunities.

"I am probably wanting to a run a café sort of thing first and then possibly expand to a restaurant," she said.

Despite the festive season around the corner Chloe said she will continue to work, showcasing her dedication to her trade.

"I am still going to be working at the bakery and picking up a few extra shifts where I can," she said.

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To select a winner, the nine students were interviewed by the Rotary club and South West TAFE staff members.

The award was judged on how students were progressing in their course, their willingness to learn, how they positively represented their trade and how they could be encouraged to continue their studies.

Rotary's Youth and Vocation director Wendy Mitchem said all the candidates showed incredible enthusiasm in their trades and had bright futures ahead of them.

Ms Mitchem said it was wonderful to see the apprentices from all different backgrounds, all succeeding in their chosen fields.

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The Rotary Club of Warrnambool East has offered the award for many years and continues to provide ongoing support to training apprentices in the region.

South West TAFE chief executive Mark Fidge said the organisation was grateful for the partnership with the Rotary Club in supporting apprentices.

"It's great to have the ongoing support of the Rotary Club of Warrnambool East and the encouragement this award gives to our first-year apprentices is invaluable," he said.

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